Rachel's Challenge

Southview sponsored a program. During the afternoon it was presented to the students. In the evening, to the parents. Lots of students returned. I was so grateful to Miranda for calling to remind us or I would have forgotten. C and I thought it was well worth our attending.

Have you heard of Rachel's Challenge? I had not until the flier came home from school. It read in part:

"Rachel Scott was the first person killed at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999. Her acts of kindness and compassion along with the contents of her six diaries have become the foundation for one of the most life-changing school programs in America.
Powerful video and audio footage of Rachel's life and the Columbine tragedy are just part of the presentation that will motivate students to positively change the way they treat others. After the desire to change has been created, students will be taught how to go about making the changes in their lives to ensure the positive impact will continue."

Rachel's brother Craig presented the hour-and-a-half program. It was uplifting. It had moments of fun, humor, and hand-raising movement, along with the pathos of tragedy and the shock of lives gone awry, and futures taken from hopeful teens.

In a nutshell...
1. Choose positive influences
2. Dare to dream -- write goals and keep a journal
3. Say kind words and do little acts of kindness
4. Eliminate prejudice by looking for the best in others
5. People are important. Make a commitment to act and tell those you love that you love them, care about them, and appreciate them.

If you ever get a chance to attend this program -- GO!


Recognize that life is too short for harsh words or neglect or apathy. Believe that our purpose on earth is to learn to get along with our fellow man. Dare to believe that one person can make a huge difference in another person's life. You can make a difference to someone who needs a friend...